2013 Sundance Film Festival Survival Guide

In less than 24 hours, the 2013 Sundance Film Festival begins in Park City, Utah. During the two-week festival where over 200+ films are shown, the sleepy town of 8,000 residents turns into a mini-Hollywood. Hopeful actors, filmmakers, producers and directors come to the former miners town to launch their film into the limelight.

With 50,000 visitors, it gets a little wild and wacky, so we’ve asked a few Park City locals for their expert advice in surviving and (hopefully) thriving during the 29th Annual Sundance Film Fest.

Amy Kersey of Park City Tourism recommends a few in-the-know tips for navigating 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

On scoring a restaurant reservation:
Most restaurants on Main Street are either booked out by private parties or reserved months in advance. Best place to score a dinner reservation during Sundance are at the ski resorts like Deer Valley or The Canyons.

On getting around:
The free buses in Park City are not only the easiest way to get around during Sundance festival but also afford a great opportunity to mingle with other festival-goers.

On outdoor adventures:
Tired of sitting in a dark room for hours on end? Hit the slopes! Park City’s ski resorts are nearly deserted during the festival. Dog sledding, zip lining and bobsledding down the Utah Olympic track are some other outdoor activities to try.

On getting a ticket to a sold out film:
The waitlist feature is great way to see a sold-out film at Sundance Film Festival. Go to the theatre screening the film you want to see two hours before show time and get a waitlist number (one per person). Make sure to return no later than 30 minutes before the screening time to see if your number is called.

Sundance Film Fest History

Sundance Film Festival officially began in 1981 when Robert Redford took over the U.S. Film Festival started in 1978. It was named ‘Sundance’ after the character Redford played in one of his early hit movies, “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid”. Since the early 90’s, the Sundance Film Festival, dedicated to giving independent filmmakers a voice, has been the birthplace of many films that went on to capture the Oscar gold.

Head here for our 6 Sexy Stays in Park City, Utah hotel guide.

And after watching countless movies, here’s where to get your groove on in Park City: 5 After-Hours Sundance Film Fest Watering Holes

For an in depth behind-the-scenes Sundance Film Fest read, click Film Fete as published in Montage Magazine Winter 2012.

Photos courtesy of Park City Tourism & Sundance Film Fest.